An extensible container framework can be used to create and deploy software runtime containers. Such a framework can allow containers to inherit functionality and runtime environment attributes of other such containers. An extensible container framework can support multiple component types, and can provide the ability to add incremental features through a common component architecture. A framework can provide a common set of container infrastructure and services, and can expand the leverage of capabilities built around each container. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.